High precision zero-friction magnetic dendrometer. (October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Clonch, Cameron; Huynh, Mark; Goto, Bryson; Levin, Alexander; Selker, John; Udell, Chet
• Is Part Of: HardwareX. Volume 10(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-10
• Subjects: Vineyard -- Woody plants -- Arduino -- Carbon fiber -- Irrigation -- Water-stress indicator -- Maximum daily shrinkage (MDS) -- Trunk growth rate; Scientific apparatus and instruments -- Periodicals; Laboratories -- Equipment and supplies -- Periodicals; Laboratories -- Equipment and supplies; Scientific apparatus and instruments; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 681
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2021.e00248
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2468-0672

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Abstract: Increasing agricultural demand for freshwater in the face of a changing climate requires improved irrigation management to maximize resource efficiency. Soil water deficits can significantly reduce plant growth and development, directly impacting crop quantity and quality. Dendrometers are a plant-based tool that have shown potential to improve irrigation management in high-value woody perennial crops (e.g., trees and vines). A dendrometer continuously measures small fluctuations in stem diameter; this has been directly correlated to water stress measurements using traditional methods. While plant-based measures of water deficits are considered to be the best measures of water stress, current dendrometer methods are imprecise due to mechanical hysteresis and thermal expansion. The high-precision dendrometer created at the OPEnS Lab alleviates these key failure points using zero-thermal expansion carbon fiber, zero friction via a spring tensioning approach, and a linear magnetic encoder. In-lab tests and field deployments have validated device measurements and the execution of these pivotal qualities. Mass deployment of these automated dendrometers has the potential to provide a continuous record of water stress, providing valuable decision support for irrigation management.